Federal Delays Put Ballard Link Plan in Limbo
TL;DR
Sound Transit’s 7.7-mile Ballard Link Extension faces renewed delays as the Federal Transit Administration won’t approve the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s publication, pushing back a preferred alignment and potentially forcing a phased build. The holdup, tied to guidance on federal DEI-related orders, is driving up costs and prompting the board to consider cost-cutting moves, station consolidations, and alternative alignments while the project and its funding plan navigate a significant budget shortfall and lengthy NEPA review.
- Crucial Ballard Link Deadline Pushed Back Yet Again by Feds The Urbanist
- Nonprofits, Sound Transit talk Pierce County light rail future KOMO
- Federal Way urges Sound Transit to extend light rail to Tacoma Kent Reporter
- $7.7B on the Line: Mayor Franklin Leads Charge to Keep Everett Link on Track Lynnwood Times
- Public can tell Sound Transit to build trains to Everett by May 1 survey deadline Snohomish County Tribune
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